Ikan bakar, or grilled fish, is one of those quintessential Malaysian cuisine that isn’t often talk about. Today, lets look at three different places in Klang Valley is worth a visit if you have a stomach for this classic dish in the afternoon.

Do remember to order a big glass of ice cold drink to go with, cos it’s going to get hot.

Mat Teh Ikan Bakar, Dato’ Keramat

One of my favorite ikan bakar places is the little stall by the name of Mat Teh Ikan Bakar by Dato’ Keramat market, right across the Putra LRT station by the same name.

The stall gets pretty busy over lunch time, and with somewhat limited seats, it is imperative to get there early.

Mat Teh Ikan Bakar at Dato’ Keramat

The most popular fishes here are stingray and ikan kembung. The stingray runs from RM 14-16 per piece, but is big enough for sharing. What I also particularly love about this place is the good selection of ulam (raw vegetable) to go with the grilled fish.

Within walking distance of iconic KLCC, there’s a little hidden warong that many visitors or even tenants of this great building do not realize exists. Warong Fauziah is tucked behind Lembaga Getah and offers tasty authentic grilled fish alongside with a good variety of other dishes to go with steamed rice.

Thirdly, for a version of ikan bakar slightly different from the ordinary, check out Restaurant Rose 911 at Kampung Pandan.

While the fish is grilled with banana leaves like other versions, sambal is added to the fish prior to grilling, infusing the aroma of chilli right from the get go. This is perfect for those who loves it spicy.

Restaurant Rose 911 also serves authentic Negeri Sembilan cuisine with dishes that are laden with plenty of coconut milk and tumeric.